The renovation of Covenant Village, a 70-unit family property in North Knoxville, was cause for a community-wide celebration last Thursday. LHP employees along with residents, elected and city officials and representatives from the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) gathered for an open house and ribbon cutting marking the completion of the property’s $5 million facelift.
Holding the sign HOME: Brandy Ford, SWEET: Janet Wilmouth, RENOVATED: Jennifer Brown, HOME: Ronnie Jordan, and RIBBON CUTTING: Bear McGuire.
This was the first substantial rehab for the nearly 40-year-old property. The project started in June of 2020 and took about 15 months to complete. LHP spent about $63,000 per unit to completely overhaul the one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments from top to bottom. Other improvements included many energy efficiency upgrades, improved accessibility and the addition of a new community room. Residents will also have free Wi-Fi and Cable TV.
Alvin Nance, LHP Development CEO, served as emcee for the event, and Richard Emison, LHP Vice President of Construction, presented an overview of the renovation. Special guests speaking at the event also included Ralph Perrey, Executive Director, THDA, Lauren Rider, Knoxville Councilmember, 4th District, and Becky Wade, City of Knoxville Housing and Neighborhood Development Director. Covenant Village resident Alexus King also spoke. Ms. King is a single mother of two and has lived at the property for six years. She said she “is thrilled with her fabulous new home.”
Ribbon cutters at Covenant Village (L to R): Phil Lawson, LHP Founder and Chairman, Carey Parker, LHP CEO, Becky Wade, Resident Alexus King, Lauren Rider and Ralph Perrey.
After the ribbon cutting, guests were invited to tour a renovated unit, the community room and new fenced-in ADA accessible playground. Scenes from the ribbon cutting:
